Senior Financial Analyst; Residential & Hospitality Services

Senior Financial Analyst; Residential & Hospitality Services

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Financial Analyst; Residential & Hospitality Services

Job Profile Title

Accountant/Financial Analyst Senior

Job Description Summary

The Senior Financial Analyst (SFA) is a key member of the Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) Finance team, reporting to the Director of Fiscal Operations. This role requires strong client-service orientation and the ability to clearly communicate complex financial information, as it involves frequent collaboration with finance and operational partners across the University.

The SFA serves as the primary financial business partner for Penn's Hospitality Services (HS) operational leadership, supporting an $11M operating budget that includes Dining operations (vending and small cafes), Conference Services, the University Club, and capital investments related to dining facilities. In addition, the SFA provides financial oversight of the $34M External Dining portfolio, managed by Bon Appetit Management Company.

The SFA leads the consolidation, analysis, and reporting of financial and operational data to support budgeting, forecasting, dining capital planning, and monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end reporting to the Business Services Division (BSD) and Executive Vice President (EVP) divisions. The role partners closely with BSD Financial Planning & Analysis and prepares materials and insights to support divisional leadership decision-making.

The SFA also equips Hospitality Services leaders with actionable financial insights to manage controllable expenses, supports tax compliance activities (including sales and occupancy taxes and the Conference Services UBIT return), and leads internal financial reviews across HS operations.

This position supervises a Business Administrator responsible for day-to-day fiscal operations and internal controls, including transaction processing, reconciliations, asset audits, and fiscal close activities in compliance with University and BSD policies.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial partner to Hospitality Services leadership, providing guidance on budgeting, financial planning, dining capital investments, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead the development, consolidation, and reporting of financial and operational data, ensuring timely and accurate submission of budgets, forecasts, monthly/quarterly reports, and year-end deliverables.
• Oversee the Hospitality Services operating budget, including Dining, Conference Services, the University Club, and External Dining.
• Maintain Dining FIRM and HS endowment budgets, coordinating with operational leaders to adjust plans during forecast cycles.
• Deliver financial analysis and insights to support decision-making, balancing financial performance with student and client experience.
• Develop presentations and financial materials for divisional leadership in collaboration with RHS Finance leadership.
• Partner with BSD Financial Planning & Analysis to ensure alignment with divisional financial strategy and reporting requirements.
• Supervise the Business Administrator to ensure a strong internal control environment, including oversight of payroll, procurement, accounts payable, balance sheet reconciliations, and general ledger activity.
• Ensure compliance with University and BSD financial policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Complete required tax filings, including monthly sales and occupancy taxes and the annual Conference Services UBIT return.
• Support capital planning and financial modeling for dining and hospitality-related initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with 5-7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced degree and/or professional certification (CPA, CMA) preferred.
• Strong financial and accounting expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects independently, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Supervisory experience and the ability to mentor staff while maintaining strong internal controls preferred.
• Proven ability to build effective partnerships across business units and stakeholders.
• Experience with University systems such as Business Objects, Hyperion Planning, Workday, ClearPoint, IRIS, Blackboard, and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Experience in higher education and/or hospitality, housing, or dining environments preferred.

About the Division of Business Services

The Business Services Division (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-friendly campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD is dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner. Currently, the Division focuses on three major initiatives:

• Revenue growth/retention through improved marketing efforts, extended services, and the development of new distribution channels.
• Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through the better use of technology.
• Enhancing service offerings through upgrades and expansions of facilities.

For more information on BSD, visit: https://www.business-services.upenn.edu

About Residential & Hospitality Services

Residential & Hospitality Services (RHS) is a division within Business Services that supports the University's on-campus living, dining, and hospitality programs. RHS oversees housing operations across 11 College Houses, as well as conference services, summer programs, and dining partnerships. The division is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality residential and guest experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Learn more: https://residential-services.business-services.upenn.edu

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Residential and Hospitality Services

Pay Range

$76,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.